Ziegler is in the process of refurbishing a fun house prominently situated on his property at 1003 Newfield St., an amusement ride he got from Riverside Park in Agawam, Mass., after the park decommissioned it. Ziegler is also constructing an 8,000-square-foot building to house other working and nonworking vintage amusement rides.

The commission voted 7-1 to approve the application, with Commissioner Gary Faraci casting the dissenting vote.

Advertisement

Ziegler said in the distant future, he would like to add a miniature golf course and batting cages to eventually make the business to include a family entertainment center.

As for now, he is concentrating on establishing the museum component of the business, which will be operational between May and October until 8 p.m. nightly, Zeigler said.

"I've been in business 27 years now. I see this as an opportunity to give something back to the city that supported us," Ziegler said to the commission.

Councilman Les Adams expressed concern about potential liability issues because there will be working rides on the premises.

Concerns cited by other commission members included restroom facilities and parking.

Ziegler said there are insurance plans designed specifically for establishments that feature amusement rides, offering policies with terms for six-month for seasonal operation, which Ziegler said he will purchase.

Ziegler said that safety inspections of working rides by both the city fire marshal and building official are also required.

Richard Corella, an attorney representing Zeigler, said there will be portable restrooms because the museum and amusement component of his business will be seasonal.

Corella said that engineers determined that there could be upward of 93 spaces.

Louis Aresco, a resident of Middlefield speaking for his father who owns an apartment building in the lot that borders Zieglers, said his father was concerned about a potential increase in noise and light resulting from the increased activity at the business.

Carella said the amusement portion of the business will only be operational from noon until dusk, with possible extended hours around Halloween.

Ziegler said Wild Bill's will not be serving food, but will bring in outside food vendors when the museum is open.

The application was approved on the condition that trees be planted on the southern border of the property, where Ziegler's property abuts the apartment building.